By Femi Emmanuel and Sejoro Ekundayo
The Albino Network Association (TANA) South West Chapter has called for prioritization of welfare of Persons with Albinism (PWA) in Nigeria.
The group which consists of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti States convened in Ado, Ekiti State to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day marked annually every 13th of June. This year, the theme is “United in making our voices heard”.
The Coordinator, TANA, South West Chapter, Comrade Muyiwa Abegunde, in his opening remarks, appreciated every Person With Albinism who took time off to attend the event amidst tight schedules.
Abegunde says the voice of Persons with Albinism must be heard across the nation. This is why Persons With Albinism have to come together to speak with one voice and to drum support for PWA in politics.
His words: “I urge the Federal Government and the incoming president of Nigeria to look into the issues of health of our people because some 60 percent of Persons with Albinism in Nigeria are battling skin cancer.”
“The electoral Act has made provisions for PWDs to have access to political Inclusion. Furthermore, by ensuring a PWD is in political power, good governance can be achieved.” He called for free and fair elections in 2023.
President of TANA, Mr. Adeyemi Dada, in his speech, urged an end to violence against Persons with Albinism. He also challenged South West leaders to collectively fight against such violence.
Adeyemi exhorted: “let’s collectively fight violence against Albinism and unite in love, even as we practice helpful measures like staying away from the sun and desist from choosing albinos as life partners in order to curtail the trend of Albinism in our communities.”
While listing the number of members lost to skin cancer, the founder prayed against recurrences of such sad happenings.
Mr Jaiyeola Fatungase, Chairman, TANA Lagos chapter, observed that children with Albinism face discrimination in public and private schools across the country
He harped on the need for school authorities to look into how PWA are being treated in schools, meanwhile calling out parents who send children with Albinism to hawk goods in the sun. Fatungase urged defaulters to put an end to this practice or face the law.
Speaking further, He urged all Agencies in charge of all Persons with Disabilities in South West to look into the affairs of PWA and make all their programs inclusive.”
Guest speaker at the event, Former Deputy speaker, Ogun state house of assembly, Hon. Olusegun Gbeleyi reiterated that making our voice heard is a necessity and PWA should desist from low self esteem. He called on PWA to join fellow PWDs in making their voice heard. He also advised PWA to participate in politics for future benefits. Other guest speakers were Dr. Charles Olusegun Doherty and prof. Olayinka Olasode.
Highlights at the occasion were special activities to mark the day, alongside celebration of the 85th birthday of Mr Adeyemi Dada, founding President/CEO of The Albino Network Association, TANA.